Broccoli packages sold at Walmart stores across 20 states have been elevated to a higher recall status due to concerns over potential Listeria contamination, which can have life-threatening implications.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified the recall of Braga Fresh’s ready-to-eat 12oz Marketside Broccoli Florets as a Class 1 recall.
This classification indicates “a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death,” highlighting the severity of the risk associated with this product.
The FDA initially announced the recall on December 31, citing that Braga Fresh was voluntarily recalling the product “due to the possibility of contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.”
Listeria is a pathogenic bacterium that can be found in various foods and poses a significant health risk, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Symptoms of a listeria infection can vary widely, ranging from mild gastrointestinal distress to more severe invasive illnesses, which can be particularly dangerous for pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems, as noted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The potential contamination was identified during routine random sampling conducted by Texas Health & Human Services at a store location in Texas.
Among the multiple samples collected, one tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes, prompting the heightened alert and subsequent recall of the affected broccoli products.
Consumers are advised to check their purchases and refrain from consuming the product, as the health risks associated with Listeria contamination can be serious and sometimes fatal.
